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What Matters Most?

07/09/2020 08:05:45 AM

Jul9

Bottom line, the reason why we must declare, “Black Lives Matter!” is because for far too long our society has acted as if they don’t. And yes, I too have found myself barraged by emails and social media posts sharing the examples of BLM protesters, for reasons that still remain unclear to me, engaging in anti-Semitic tirades.  I don’t believe I have to offer you examples, if you are Jewish or express interest in Jewish causes online, I am sure that you are familiar.  If you’re not, just check out recent posts and/or articles focusing on this. Nonetheless, I come to this blog this week with this question: what is my goal? If I am looking for a relatively easy excuse to be freed of my responsibility to be part of the solution, then yes I can decide to allow the 25 or so words of the 40,000 word “Black Lives Matter” manifesto, accusing Israel of apartheid and committing genocide, to define this very non-centralized organization, thereby undermining the cause and the call in my eyes.  Or I can do the really difficult work of focusing my energy on what is so blatant and obvious about the structures of iniquity in our society, all the while building bridges with individuals and organizations that represent the rights of people of color, and allowing for the debase and inhuman likening of Jews to monsters and puppet masters to succumb to the truth. Some may find this approach naïve; clearly anti-Semitism does not go quietly into that still, dark night. But then again, I have to ask, what is my goal? Is systemic racism going to fall apart on its own? Perhaps only as “easily” interrupted as anti-Semitism itself has proven to be.

Lo aleicha hamelacha ligmor, v’lo aleicha ligmor.”  Our Rabbis taught, “It is not upon you to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from trying.” 

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784